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Decision time

Meath stalwart and All-Ireland-winning Kerry goalkeeper announce inter-county retirements

The end of the road for Graham Reilly and Brian Kelly.

LAST UPDATE | 4 Jan 2021

graham-reilly Graham Reilly captained Meath in 2017. Ryan Byrne / INPHO Ryan Byrne / INPHO / INPHO

GRAHAM REILLY HAS played his last game for Meath.

The 32-year-old forward announced his retirement from inter-county football this afternoon.

In a social media statement, Reilly said it had been “a dream come true” to play for the Royals.

The St Colmcille’s player, who didn’t feature for Meath in 2020, had his final outing in the Super 8s defeat to Donegal in July 2019.

“As a young lad I always wanted to represent my county and for 12 years at senior level I got to do that,” he said. “It has been an honour and privilege to put on the green and gold jersey on so many occasions.”

Reilly was a key member of the last Meath panel to taste provincial success, having kicked 0-4 from play in the 2010 Leinster final win over Louth. He went on to receive an All-Star nomination that year.

Kerry goalkeeper Brian Kelly, who started in the 2014 All-Ireland final win against Donegal, has also announced his retirement from inter-county football.

brian-kelly-celebrates-with-the-sam-magurie-cup Brian Kelly celebrates after the 2014 All-Ireland final. Cathal Noonan / INPHO Cathal Noonan / INPHO / INPHO

The 30-year-old Killarney Legion player also won two National Leagues and seven Munster Championships after making his debut for the Kingdom in 2012.

“As a teenager growing up in Killarney I sold match programmes on Munster final days and dreamed of one day climbing the steps of the Hogan Stand to lift Sam Maguire,” he said.

“Thankfully I have lived out my dream and I am proud to have played my small part in the Kerry GAA history books.” 

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